Wednesday, July 26, 2017

A few updates for you all...The launch party is set for October 1st in Oklahoma City. If prizes, a signed copy of my latest book, and a fun atmosphere sound like a good time to you - then go to my author site and subscribe to get details on the party.For now, for those of you who are not local and can not travel to OKC for your own signed copy - you can pre-order it here so when September 24th rolls around the e-book will download to your Ipad or Kindle.

**You can use a Kindle app on any smart phone or device ... so don't think you need a Kindle to pre-order it.I hope to hear from you or see you soon!

Saturday, July 15, 2017

Although this is not typically my kind of genre, I stepped outside my box to experience something new, with the Warble by Victoria Simcox. And, am I glad I did.

The Warble is a pleasant surprise in that it's not just a tale of fantasy. It holds truth and real life principles that are steadfast in our real lives. The main character, Kristina, holds the pain of rejection from society or her peers. Through her suffering, one person sees her potential and offers her a gift in the Warble - an unsuspecting metal ball that is the key to her destiny through another world - one where Kristina is labeled 'The Chosen One'.

There are threads that point to God and his everlasting love in this book. The story parallels Jesus' return and his victory over a fallen world. Those that have the faith - will see it. Those that don't want religion thrown in their face don't have to worry because it's so slight all you'll uncover is a really good book that offers a story of good triumphing over evil.

Any parent looking for an intriguing and thoughtful series for their kids should look at this one. The Warble is book one of the Bernovem series. You can rest assured this story is a shining light in the dark sea of kid series, which are far more graphic than they should be.

The Warble holds truths that we all carry near to our heart with friendships that form through tragedy and triumph, confidence that builds through self-discovery, and triumph that allow us all to cheer for the victor who's slain the proverbial dragon.

Friday, June 16, 2017

I was raised running around barefoot on an island, where we only wore shoes when we had to. When I absolutely was forced to wear shoes - I slipped my toes into my favorite slippah's.

Then, I moved to Oklahoma and as far as the eye could see - people wore boots. Although I think cowboy boots are great, it just wasn't what I had grown up in. So in the dead of winter - I was still rocking my flip flops whenever I could.

Now 27 years later - they're everywhere! And, it makes my heart happy to see how many jet around in those small shoes that are so freeing. They not only allow our feet to breath during a hot summer but they instill a vacation mindset. I think everyone has an extra pep in their step when the slip on theirs. Nowadays, they come in all shapes and sizes. Some are blinged out. Some are furry or fluffy. And some are cushioned and comfy.

While here I am - still rocking my island girl style with the basic plastic slippah's ... or to most everyone else - flip flops.

So HAPPY NATIONAL FLIP FLOP DAY to all of you, who embrace this amazing lifestyle. Becuase they're not just shoes - they're a state of mind. The only bad part about them is that they make me miss the beach!

Sunday, June 11, 2017

From start to finish, this film was spellbinding.From the second it came on screen, an action-filled soundtrack paired with flat two-dimensional graphics flooded the screen & allowed a glimpse of Wonder Woman’s journey in life before she evolved into a pop culture world-while phenomenon.Her Amazon spirit set an entirely different tone for anyone who was used to the television version of Diana Prince.

Gal Gadot, an Isreali actress, martial arts expert, and model easily stepped into the tall boots of the warrior princess and made the transition making us feel she wasn’t just an actress playing a part.She breathed the essence of Diana, Princess of Themyscira - originally known in DC comics as Paradise Island.

This film starts in today’s time with a mysterious photo delivery from a WWI era.It’s Diana posing center with two soldiers on either side of her – all with a victorious smile.One of those soldiers being Chris Pine.

Without giving away too many details of the film, which centers around the dated photo mentioned earlier, this story spans the gamut of Diana’s life.It gives a peek into her life from her precarious youth, as she yearned to be a warrior princess like the other Amazonian warriors on the island, to her adult years as she accompanied Chris Pine, a Brittish spy masquerading as a German pilot, from the beaches of Themyscira, her home island, to the real world, where she attempts to hunt down her nemesis, Aries, the god of war.

Wonder Woman showcases how loyal and fierce women can be in the same breath.It colors a bold picture of how hard we fight when there’s a cause while still respecting the softer side of life.Diana showcases this brilliantly as she champions forth in her battles kicking ass and saving the world all in the name of love.

The romantic chemistry between Gadot and Pine was just enough to paint a vivid picture of what happens behind closed doors, without being blatant or obscene. I loved the tenderness between these two. Their love symbolized so much in this film ... but again, I don't want to give any of the details away.

I highly recommend this film for men and women alike as there’s plenty of gore, action, and fight scenes that will satisfy the male population while providing insight into the female psyche offering a glimpse of humanity, tenderness, and passion for humankind. (okay and a glimpse of Chris Pine’s almost naked body – that alone makes this is a must-see film).

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

I was in a meeting with a sales manager at a car dealership, which was almost coming to a close when someone from the lobby alerted the manager that someone had driven up on the lot. From the look on his face, I could tell that whoever this person was - was not exactly welcome.

He promptly apologized and excused himself so that he could deal with the person we'll call 'Dude'. Within seconds I heard Dude and could tell that he was high maintenance from the commotion in the lobby. He had not only shown up in a test drive truck but had a ton of his belongings inside and a trailer hitched to the back.

Patiently, I waited inside hoping that whatever went down wouldn't be a 'situation' as the energy felt in the dealership was a bit heightened.

A few minutes later, the manager returned to process a paperwork for Dude when Dude stepped into the inner office for a quick question. I smelled him before I saw him as smoke rolled in like waves.

When he saw me sitting inside, it was like I was the flame to his inner-moth and Dude went from drama-dude to offer your rocker crazy. Dude proceeded to dump all his belongings in my lap and said, "Hold this sweetheart."

I stared at the prison orange stained sweatshirt and some personal papers in my lap with shock as he proceeded to empty his pockets to drop his keys there too. My first instinct was to dump them onto the floor but this was a business environment and I didn't want to make it hard for the general manager across from me, who was trying to process paperwork faster than I'd ever seen anyone in my life. I could tell he wanted this guy to leave more than I did.

Just when I thought I'd seen it all, DUDE slipped a small tube of lotion from a pocket, opened up his shirt, and exposed his chest. Then, he lowered himself so he was only inches from my face so he could rub lotion on a tattoo, saying, "Do you see my tattoo?"

Imagine me - blinking - and trying not to either punch this guy in the throat or knee him in the groin as I search for the exit, which he was promptly blocking. I had no way out and I was trapped in a chair sitting beneath DUDE and his ginormous and crazy ego.

I thought that would be the end of it, but I guess he didn't get the response he wanted from me as I thoroughly ignored him. Because he then took off his ball cap and leaned over to rub his almost bald head in my face, saying, "See my prison haircut? You like it?"

I responded with, "That's a high and tight, sir."

"Oh, it's a prison cut."

I'm thinking to myself - and you probably know first hand.

DUDE proceeds to start digging in his pants, saying, "You want to see something?"

And all I can think of is - Dear God, please don't let him expose himself any further.

Relief washes over me as he pulls out his driver's license saying, "I just got this cut two days ago. Look what I used to look like here!" He points to the picture of him with a heavy beard and shaggy hair.

I narrow my eyes at the picture and glance to his face, saying, "Your eyes are the same and I'd be able to recognize you anywhere."

My intent was - I could pick you out of a line-up, Dude. So back off!!!

However, subtle flys right over DUDE's head.

He leans in once more and talks about what a warm heart I must have, to which I respond, "No, not all the time."

While my responses were limited and not at all inviting - Dude goes further and begins to tell me his life story. All I can think about is getting this lotion-rubbing, exposed guy away from me.

Finally, the manager handed Dude some extra paperwork and gave him a polite send off just before turning to me with an apology and a bottle of sanitizer, which I generously slathered on my hands.

By the time I left - I was more than ready for someone get me a wire scrub brush and a can of bleach so I could scrape my eyes free and cleanse my mind of the image of him rubbing himself down with his beady eyes and wide creepy grin.

All this being said - why does a man think a lady needs to see any of that?

Needless to say - I made sure he was long gone before I walked to my car and drove away.

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

In college, I had this life-sized cardboard cut out of Bon Jovi. It adorned my dorm room until I was on summer or Christmas breaks and then it would sit in my grandmother's attic waiting patiently for my return to school.

I don't remember how I got it. I worked at the mall so I could have sweet talked someone at Spencers or a record store. (Yes, I'm that old)

Unfortunately, during my junior year - my grandmother passed. This meant cleaning out her house, which set a couple blocks from campus, and determine what to do with her household goods, clothing, etc. My mother flew in from Hawaii, so she, my sister, and I could handle the task of going through decades of stuff together.

After a full day and night of doing just that, we decided to go out to eat. Upon returning to grandmother's home, we noticed the front door was ajar. Did we forget to lock it? Or had someone broken in?

We called the local police, who ordered us, with guns drawn, to stay safely outside. The next moments were pretty tense - especially when we heard a lot of commotion coming from the second story of her home (her attic). We heard a yell and gathered closer together in grandma's yard, not knowing what to expect.

Imagine our surprise when one office bound out her front door laughing so hard he was crying. Not one minute later, the second officer begrudgingly came out with a sour look on his face. He was mortified.

WHY? Apparently, he saw the 6 foot Bon Jovi cardboard cut out in the attic, thought he was a perp, and ordered him to freeze and raise his hands. Imagine this officer - heart pounding, trigger finger ready, and not understanding why this handsome fellow was just staring at him without listening to his bark - unwilling to submit to him.

When the second officer rushed upstairs, he immediately recognized Bon Jovi's famous mug and burst out laughing, making fun of his partner.

I don't know about officer number 1, but that was exactly the comedic relief my family needed. We couldn't contain our giggles which turned into belly busting, side hurting, tears streaming laughs. It was one of those labile reactions that every emotion pushed through and flooded our hearts - laughing when we could have been crying. Tears of joy shed instead of tears filled with pain.

So, thank you, Bon Jovi for always giving me that memory during such a rough time in my life. Although you were almost shot by the POPO - you were our hero.

We were living on a prayer and I was only seventeen (plus a few years) but who's counting?

I'm heading to see Bon Jovi in concert tonight in OKC and can't wait. This will be my second time and my husband's third. No matter what age he turns, he ages with grace and his voice is always on point.

And everytime I see his beautiful face, I think of that cardboard cut out and how it almost met it's demise in my grandmother's attic.

Sunday, February 19, 2017

Michael, a friend of my husband and I, just started his youtube channel this week. His voice is smooth, comforting, and paired with a dead on pitch. I love seeing him share his talent and would highly encourage you to not only take a listen but share it with your social media networks.

This guy needs to be on The Voice!!! Help me make this happen by spreading the word. Link this page - either my blog with this post or his youtube channel - to any and all of your social media accounts to give him some love.

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

My next book is dedicated to anyone who has lost anyone too soon. Of course, I like to think they're still with us meddling in our lives from above so that's what I wrote about ... a meddling grandmother, matchmaking from beyond, whose dark past comes back to haunt her family. When you think of Endless Possibilities - think a little humor, a little fantasy, a little suspense, part romance, part mystery.

Saturday, November 19, 2016

So I've been avoiding the news and all social media for a while. There's just too much hate seething from every aspect, every post, and everyone. Friends are un-friending friends because their political views or comments don't line up. Riots are sparked and the news does nothing but fuel their fire.

I may not have liked either candidate but the election is over. Niether side played fair with thier political rhetoric, campaigning, or words. So guess what? I'm going to live with the choice that America has chosen. I was raised to respect the office wether I was fond of the candidate or not.

No matter who I voted for - I look foward to getting past this year's drama. Since I'm a praying woman, I'm going to pray for our President and give him a chance. I'm going to hope for a real change this time.

Now, do I think one person can turn things around? No, absolutely not. The nation has never hung in the balance over one person's decisions. But President Elect Trump's choices for his cabinet memebers and the balance of power we'll have in Congress could make a difference. No one knows yet.

Instead of claiming gloom and doom, like a lot of others ... pray. Pray for our leaders, our country, and our fellow Americans. Pray that the hate and the anger dissapates. Pray that those leaders, who have the ability to make our lives better or worse, have wisdom and grace. Pray that our healthcare system gets straightened out. Pray for international relations as our new President navigates through new territory. Pray for the protection of our economy and our people.

May we look to our true King and Savior to bless our prayers and our country.

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

So, yesterday was voting day for many offices like County Clerk and Congress. I always want to educate myself on the many issues and campaign trailblazers so I can make my voice count. Voting is our God-given right which wasn't even acknowledged by our nation until the women's suffrage movement. Many of our great - great grandmothers met, marched, and went on strike to strive for the right to vote.

When I hear anyone I come in contact with say that due the fact that they don't like anyone on the ballot they're not going to vote - it blows my mind! We are blessed with that privilege! And even if you don't like anyone, to not vote is still casting a vote because your voice isn't heard.

Think of it like this:

What if there was only a choice between peanut butter or jelly - and the popular vote would bring to light what we're allowed to eat.

If you say, 'Well, I don't like either, so it doesn't matter!' Then you choose not to vote. Whatever the outcome is, you're not going to help choose it and you don't care.

Then, because you didn't vote - the majority pick peanut butter. Jelly lost. But you don't care!! Becuase you don't like either and you're apathetic to both.

Now that peanut butter is all you're allowed to eat - it's determined that you've developed a severe food allergy to peanuts. Well, oops - that's just too bad. You didn't cast your vote. You could have made a difference. You had no idea that peanuts would be the worst choice of all and didn't care. BUT you should have. Because your vote could have saved your life and who knows how many others.

Voting is important, peeps. Even if you're not a fan of who's on the ballot. There are important issues on a local level that need your attention. You have a chance to change your community for the better. And if the ballot lists a bunch of blowhards - and you could care less - decide to care. Pick the lesser of two evils. Because the worst thing that would have happened with jelly was a tummy ache or a sugar rush, but now the end result with peanuts is a shorter life span.

Plus, think of voting as an adventure. You never know what will happen. Take yesterday for example.

When I went to the polls to vote it was almost comical. I successfully got to cast my ballot - but not before I almost lost my mind. The following scenario actually took place ...

Me (walking up to volunteer): Here's my license.

Voter poll guy (who shall be named VPG going forward): Affiliation.

Me: Republican

VPG looks through the list and tries to find me based off my driver's license.

Me: No - because I'd have to fill a form out for that - which I have not done!

VPG: Well (pointing to another district's voting booth area) - I think you're with that district because you're not on my list.

Me: I've been voting at this section and district for 16 years. I'm supposed to be here. Can you look again?

VPG: Ma'am, you're not in here. You're sure you're a republican?

Me: YES!

I walk down the hall to the other district just to take a breath and count to 10. I tell the new guy at the other district voting booth - that my district's volunteer is clueless to where I'm supposed to be. He asks my address and once I tell him - he agrees that I'm supposed to be at the first table, where I came from.

I walk back to the first table.

Me: Hi me again. I'm supposed to be here.

VPG: Are you a Republican or Democrat?

Me: (I gave him a look) RE-PUB-LIC-AN

VPG: Well, Okay. But you're not in here.

Me: Just look.

As he scrolls through his book I peer across the table and see my name clear as day, and almost knock the table to the ground because I'm repeatedly jabbing my finger on his so called list.

Me: That's my name!! (jab jab jab) Right THERE!

VPG: (shrugs) Oh, sorry about that.

Me: (thankful I can vote and counting to ten)

After I cast my ballot, I give the whole group a genuine smile. The ladies working the table with VPG found the whole thing pretty funny.

VPG: Don't forget your sticker.

I hastily grab my sticker wondering what Laurel and Hardy would say about all that.

OH MY GOODNESS! People! Go VOTE - because you never know what could happen. Make your voice heard and have fun doing it.